Parts cleaning rack and method



Dec. 5, 1961 c E. JACKSON ETAL 3,

PARTS CLEANING RACK AND METHOD Filed June 22, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 L13AGaL i I 34 gllll INVENTORS. 6202K E1 zikczsolv, 1 52557 D. V9559? Dec.5, 1961 c. E. JACKSON ETAL 3,011,922

PARTS CLEANING RACK AND METHOD Filed June 22, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet. 2

INVENTORS. (2,42% .451 ciaczsa/v A 02557- B, Visa/7e United StatesPatent 3,011,922 PARTS CLEANING RACK AND METHOD Clark E. Jackson,Rolling Hills, and Forest Vassar, West Covina, Calif., assignors, bymesne assignments, to Purex Corporation, Ltd., a corporation ofCalifornia Filed June 22, 1959, Ser. No. 821,939 17 Claims. (Cl. 134-1)This invention relates generally to improvements in parts treatingapparatus and the method of treating parts by subjecting them to sourcesof treatment activation in dillerent treating zones. More particularly,the invention is concerned with improvements in the method and apparatusfor efiectively and rapidly cleaning parts, particularly carbon-fouledand oxide-fouled parts, in different cleaning zones at least some ofwhich contain cleaning liquid, by subjecting the parts to power releasefrom power heads subject to activation in different of the cleaningzones.

It is known that the cleaning of industrial parts in chemical solutionscan be accelerated by agitating the cleaning zones, various mechanicaldevices being useful for producing such agitation. Conventionally theseagitators, which include propellers, liquid jets, brushes, sonic andultrasonic generators, are located at the Walls or bottom of a cleaningtank into which the parts to be cleaned are introduced. It is known thatthe eifectiveness of cleaning solution agitation is seriously limited orreduced as the distance between the parts and the source of energyincreases. Also the bfling action of parts baskets and the parts thereinlocated at the sides of the basket further limits the efiectiveness ofmechanical treatment by the agitators, especially the treatment of partslocated within the interior of the basket. In addition, the rotation ofpropellers by shafts projecting through the tank wall presents ditficultshaft sealing problems particularly when corrosive and high temperatureliquid solutions are used.

The present invention has for its major object the elimination of mostof the above problems through improvements in apparatus and method foreffectively and rapidly treating parts in difierent treating zones bytransporting with the parts the source or sources of treatmentactivation, such as the propellers, ultrasonic generators, liquid jets,and brushes, all remaining in desirably exposed relation to the parts,and in addition selectively activating the treatment sources indifierent of the treatment Zones. More particularly, the inventioncontemplates a novel method of efiectively and rapidly cleaningapparatus in diterent spaced apart zones, at least some of which containcleaning liquid, the method including successively introducing the partsto be cleaned into different zones and into liquid contained therein,transporting with the apparatus power heads in desirably exposedrelation thereto, and selectively activating the power heads indifferent of the zones to treat the parts most effectively and rapidly.

As will appear, the present new concept in industrial cleaning bringsthe energy for agitation into intimate contact with the parts beingcleaned, this being done by using the fixture or rack means on which theparts are suppofied as a carrier for the power means or heads which arepositioned in relatively close exposure to the parts. Typically, but notnecessarily, the parts rack is made of piping and is so designed thatits plumbing and electrical lines supplying the power headsautomatically connect with pumps and electrical power sources locatedoutside the cleaning receptacles as the rack is moved from one tank tothe next. r

These and other features and objects of the invention,

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Referring first to FIG. 1, a row of cleaning tanks orreceptacles 10 isshown below an overhead track 11, along which a hoist 12 is movable overthe tanks 10. Suspended from the hoist cable 13 is a parts rack 14-which may be successively introduced into the liquid contained withinthe tanks 10 by operation of the hoist to lower the rack 14 into eachtank after the hoist has been traveled along the track 11 to a positionover the tank. Associated with each tank is a power source 15 to whichpower lines 16 and 17 carried by the rack 14 are connectible at 18 and19 automatically upon lowering of the rack into the tank 10. Forexample, lines 16 and 17 may comprise liquid and electrical lines, thefirst being operable to flow liquid from the source 15 into the rack andthen to power heads, as for example jets intimately associated with theparts to be cleaned. Liquid may be returned from within the tank 10 tothe power source 15 through a return line 26 so as to be pumped again toline 16. Line 17 may typically deliver electrical energy to anultrasonic generator carried by the rack 14 in close relation to a partto be cleaned. It will be understood from the foregoing that while thelines 16 and 17 automatically connect with the power source 15 atlocations 18 and 19, either or both of the lines 16 and 17 and the powerheads associated therewith may be inactive when the parts rack isinserted within different of the tanks 11), as desired, throughpredetermined inactivation or selection of the power source 15. Thus, itmay be desired to treat the parts in one tank by activating anultrasonic generator on the parts rack, while such ultrasonic treatmentmay not be desired in the adjacent tank to which the parts rack 14 isnext moved. Similarly, one of the tanks 10 may contain no cleaningsolution, and when the parts rack is inserted water may be supplied fromsource 15 to jets on the rack for spray rinsing the part in that zone.

Assuming that aircraft parts were being overhauled, they would be placedin a specific location 'on the rack and would then pass down a processline. Upon introduction of the rack 14 in the first tank containing aprecleaner solution, one of the lines 16 and 17 would auto maticallyconnectwith an outlet from a pump in power source 15, which wouldoperate to circulate the precleaner through the parts rack and outnumerous orifices or jets strategically located so as to provide a highvelocity agitation over each of the parts to be cleaned. The rack withits load of parts might then pass to a carbon removing tank in whichsome of the more heavily carbon soiled parts may be treatedultrasonically for effective cleaning. Upon insertion of the rack insuch a tank, line 17 would automatically connect with the electricalsource at 19, and strategically located ultrasonic transducers on therack 14 would be energized to provide maximum energy coupling to theparticular parts carrying ultrasonic treatment. Finally, spray rinsingof the parts in a subsequent tank might take place, rinsing liquid beingsupplied through the rack from the power source 15 to spray nozzleslocated on the rack. 7

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a typical tank 10 is or header 21 which istubular, and vertically spaced tubular branch support pipes which aregrouped in pairs 22 and 23. The latter may be connected into the mainheader 21 as for example is shown in FIG. 4, wherein pipe 22 connectsinto an outer tubular manifold 24 and pipe 23 connects into an innertubular manifold 25 which, along with manifold 24, comprises the uprightheader 21.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the pipes or branches 22 and 23 have spacedtherealong jets or nozzles 125, and outlets 38, typically for jettingsolvent solution or compound from pipes 22 and for jetting rinsingliquid such as water from pipes 23. A cylindrical part 26 to be cleanedis shown supported on a pipe 22 in position such that liquid jettingfrom nozzles 125 sprays over the inside of the part, and along thelength thereof and in a manner such as would be impossible were thespray nozzle located at the sides or bottom of the tank 10.

FIG. 2 also shows supply lines 27 and 28 connecting into the innerheader 25 and the outer header 24 of the parts rack above the top levelof the tank. These lines 27 and 28 have connectors 29 at their terminalends, positioned automatically to engage outlet fittings 130 on thehousing of the power source 15, as the parts rack is lowered intoposition in the tank 10. As explained, such connection of the supplylines with the power source may automatically effect delivery of liquidthrough either of the lines 27 or 28 to the nozzles 125, depending uponthe cleaning operation to be carried out in the tank 10. Thus, if it isdesired to spray cleaning solutionror compound on the parts 26, loweringof the parts rack may be accompanied by automatic supply of cleaningsolution from the source through line 27 to manifold 24 and branch pipes22. Alternatively, liquid rinse may be supplied through line 28 to innermanifold and to branch pipes 23. 7 Pumps 127 and 128 are shown in source15 for delivering liquid through lines 27 and 28.

Typical cleaning solutions may consist of chlorinated solventformulations,trichloroethylene, cyclohexane, and

solutions of detergents, or acids or bases, such as strong causticsolutions. Representative soils on parts such as bearings, shafts,compressor blades, sleeves and the like include oxides, greases, oils,dust, tar, sludge, rust, resin, wax, carbon, lapping and bufiingcompounds, and steel particles.

The invention also contemplates the provision of solution agitators onthe parts rack, as for example are shown by the propeller '30 and brush31 adapted to be driven in rotation by hydraulic motors 32 typicallysuspended from a hydraulic pressure 'fluid line 33 connected into themanifold 25. Liquid supplied from that manifold may then beappropriately delivered to the hydraulic motors 32 for driving the brushor propeller in rotation in closely exposed relation to the part 26' tobe cleaned. Of course,

the brushes or propellers may be located as desired on the parts rackand in relation to the parts to be cleaned for more effective and rapidcleaning as the parts and rack are moved from tankto tank.

FIG. 2 also shows a vertically spaced series of ultrasonic generators ortransducers 34 carried by the parts rack in closely exposed relation tocertain of the parts, as for example the part 26. Such sonic orultrasonic transducers or generators are well known in the art and mayhave many different sizes and shapes. Electrical energy supplied to anultrasonic transducer, which may comprise a piezoelectric crystaltransducer or magnetostrictive transducer, is operable to cause thetransducer diaphragm crystal to vibrate at the frequency of the appliedalternating voltage or current, which vibration sets up and causestransmission of sonic or ultrasonic waves in the liquid within the tank,so as to promote rapid cleaning of soils from parts suspended in thesolution upon impingement of the transmitted waves against the partssurfaces. Electrical energy is supplied to the transducers 34 through acable or line 17, the terminal end 36 of which has automatic connectionwith an outlet 37 on the housing of the power source 15 as the partsrack is lowered into final position in the tank 10. As previouslydescribed, one or more of the transducers 34 may be selectivelyactivated upon lowering of the parts rack into the tank 10 in anydesired sequence as the parts rack is moved from tank to tank, all forthe purpose of treating most effectively and rapidly the parts to becleaned. Similarly, electrical energy may be automatically supplied toelectrical motors driving agitators and brushes, as for example areshown at 31 and 31' The invention also contemplates that certain typesof rotary nozzles 33 may be connected into branch pipes 22 or 23 forspraying or jetting treating solvent or rinsing liquid in a movingpattern as distinguished from the single jetting direction from thenozzles 25. In addition, the transducers 34 may be replaced orsupplemented by electrocleaning electrodes or other types of treatmentdevices advantageously located with respect to the parts to be cleanedand carried bythe rack 14 so as to be transported with the parts andselectively activated within different treating tanks 10, in a mannerfound most desirable for any part treating sequence or operation.

' place liquid.

We claim:

1. In parts cleaning apparatus including receptacle means containingseparate bodies of cleaning liquid, the improvement that comprisescarrier means for supporting a part in location for cleaning, means fortransporting said carrier means and for successively introducing saidcarrier means into and Withdrawing said carrier means from said separatebodies of cleaning liquid, power means carried by and transportable withsaid carrier means and positioned in relatively close and open exposureto the part location to effect cleaning of said part in cooperation withsaid bodies of cleaning liquid, said power means including power headsoperable to release energy into said bodies of cleaning liquid, andmeans for selectively activating said power heads in dilferent of saidbodiesof cleaning liquid.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1, in which said power meansincludes lines for transmitting power to said heads.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 in which said means foractivating said power means include power sources selectivelyconnectible in power transmitting relation with said lines for selectivepower transmission to different power heads.

4. The invention as defined in claim 2 in which at least one powerheadcomprises an ultrasonic generator operable to release ultrasonic energyinto liquid.

5. The invention as defined in claim 2 in which at least one power headcomprises a propeller operable to dis- 6. The invention as defined inclaim 2 in which at least one power head comprises a movable brush.

7. The invention as defined in claim 2 in which at least one power headcomprises a nozzle.

8. The invention as defined in claim 2 in which said power heads includean ultrasonic generator and a propeller, and including power sourcesselectively connectible in power transmitting relation with saidgenerator and propeller.

9. The invention as defined in claim 2 in which said carrier meanscomprises one support carrying said lines, and other supports carryingsaid power'heads and adapted to support parts to be cleaned.

10. The method of effectively and rapidly cleaning apparatus indifferent spaced apart zones at least some of which contain cleaningliquid by subjecting said apparatus to power release from power headssubject to activation in different of said zones, that includessuccessively introducing said apparatus into said different zones and toliquid contained'therein, transporting with said apparatus said powerheads in desirably exposed relation thereto, and selectively activatingsaid power heads in different ofsaid zones.

11. The method of effectively and rapidly removing carbon and oxidesfrom fouled apparatus in difierent spaced apart cleaning Zones at leastone of which contains a carbon and oxide removing solvent by subjectingsaid apparatus to power release from power heads subject to activationin different of said zones, that includes successively introducing saidapparatus into said different zones and at least once into said solvent,transporting with said apparatus said power heads in desirably exposedrelation thereto, and selectively activating said power heads indifferent of said Zones including said solvent containing zone.

12. The method of claim 11 in which liquid is sprayed from said powerheads.

13. The method of claim 11 in which said solution is agitated by saidpower heads.

14. The method of claim 11 in which ultrasonic energy is transmittedinto said solution from said power heads.

15. The combination, comprising carrier means for supporting a part inlocation for cleaning, means for transporting said carrier means and forsuccessively introducing said carrier means into and withdrawing saidcarrier means from difierent bodies of cleaning liquid, power meanscarried by and transportable with said carrier means, at least a portionof said power means being positioned in relatively close and openexposure to the part location to efiect cleaning of said part incooperation with said body of cleaning liquid, said power meansincluding power heads operable to release energy, and means forselectively activating said power heads to secure release of energytransmissible into different bodies of cleaning liquid.

16. The invention as defined in claim 15 in which said power headsinclude electrically energizable transducers operable to generateultrasonic energy transmissible into said liquid.

17. The invention as defined in claim 16 in which said power meansincludes cable means connected in electric energy transmitting relationwith said transducers, said cable means being connectible with a powersource spaced from and independent of said carrier means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS843,423 Weymar Feb. 5, 1907 1,447,304 Hank Mar. 6, 1923 2,416,475Friedman Feb. 25, 1947 2,845,045 Weiskopf July 29, 1958 2,860,646 ZuckerNov. 18, 1958

1. IN PARTS CLEANING APPARATUS INCLUDING RECEPTACLE MEANS CONTAININGSEPARATE BODIES OF CLEANING LIQUID, THE IMPROVEMENT THAT COMPRISESCARRIER MEANS FOR SUPPORTING A PART IN LOCATION FOR CLEANING, MEANS FORTRANSPORTING SAID CARRIER MEANS AND FOR SUCCESSIVELY INTRODUCING SAIDCARRIER MEANS INTO AND WITHDRAWING SAID CARRIER MEANS FROM SAID SEPARATEBODIES OF CLEANING LIQUID, POWER MEANS CARRIED BY AND TRANSPORTABLE WITHSAID CARRIER MEANS AND POSITIONED IN RELATIVELY CLOSE AND OPEN EXPOSURETO THE PART LOCATION TO EFFECT CLEANING OF SAID PART IN COOPERATION WITHSAID BODIES OF CLEANING LIQUID, SAID POWER MEANS INCLUDING POWER HEADSOPERABLE TO RELEASE ENERGY INTO SAID BODIES OF CLEANING LIQUID, ANDMEANS FOR SELECTIVELY ACTIVATING SAID POWER HEADS IN DIFFERENT OF SAIDBODIES OF CLEANING LIQUID.
 10. THE METHOD OF EFFECTIVELY AND RAPIDLYCLEANING APPARATUS IN DIFFERENT SPACED APART ZONES AT LEAST SOME OFWHICH CONTAIN CLEANING LIQUID BY SUBJECTING SAID APPARATUS TO POWERRELEASE FROM POWER HEADS SUBJECT TO ACTIVATION IN DIFFERENT OF SAIDZONES, THAT INCLUDES SUCCESSIVELY INTRODUCING SAID APPARATUS INTO SAIDDIFFERENT ZONES AND TO LIQUID CONTAINED THEREIN, TRANSPORTING WITH SAIDAPPARATUS SAID POWER HEADS IN DESIRABLY EXPOSED RELATION THERETO, ANDSELECTIVELY ACTIVATING SAID POWER HEADS IN DIFFERENT OF SAID ZONES.